4 contracts holding the Saints back right now
By Ryan Heckman
2. Alvin Kamara, RB
In today's NFL, running backs aren't paid like they once were. That's been the trend, at least, over the last few years. However, Alvin Kamara established himself as one of the elite running backs in the NFL, able to do anything asked of him in both the run and passing game. That's why he was rewarded with a lucrative extension back in 2020.
His contract runs through the 2025 season, and this year he is set to count over $18 million against the cap. Cutting him would only save the Saints $1.5 million (before June 1, that is). Like Ramczyk, the best possible outcome for the Saints and Kamara would be to restructure his deal, saving New Orleans over $8 million in the process.
Trading Kamara probably isn't the best option, either, as that also only saves the team $1.5 million. Kamara isn't as effective as he once was and averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in 2023. He's probably best served as being part of a two or three-headed back field going forward, but because of his contract situation, the Saints likely won't be able to part with him.